Smile - CrankGameplays

16. Clear

Friday came around, fast. Faster than Ethan wanted it to. He still had to go pick up booze from the liquor store, remove the breakables from the kitchen and living room, make the house look somewhat clean. There was so much to do and so little help.

Mark was out in class and Tyler was finishing up over at his internship. They exchanged a couple of texts now and then in their group chat but Ethan knew he was going to do much of this party planning on his own.

He fetched his set of car keys off the key ring and trudged out into the cool, November air. The changing leaves and the gusts of wind that brushed past his shoulders somewhat calmed the mind of Ethan Nestor.

It was days like this when he was alone, where he thought the most. Overthought, for that matter.

He unlocked his small car and ducked inside the vehicle, firing up the engine and darting straight for the liquor store.

He passed through numerous stoplights and stops, finding his way over to the small convenience store. He arrived in record time and barreled through the glass doors, waving to the cashier up front.

Ethan headed towards all the alcohol and feasted his eyes on the numerous types that his liver was not ready to face. He pulled out his ID and securely wiggled his fingers between the plastic.

"Definitely get some vodka," a familiar voice giggled behind him.

Ethan whipped around and an immediate smile sprung to life, "Oh, hey!"

Reese stood a couple feet away from him, hair tied up in a ponytail with a makeup-free face. Clothed in only a jacket and a pair of sweats.

"Pre-party planning?" she grinned.

"You already know," Ethan shrugged, "Trying to get everything set for tonight."

"Exactly why I'm here." Reese tipped an eyebrow, "Thought I should contribute and bring over something."

Ethan stuffed his hands in his pockets, "Totally can if you want, might just get a handle and a case of beer for some games."

"That sounds like a good idea! In that case, I'll get a case of beer too so we can keep destroying people on pong. You up for that?"

"Of course I am!"

The way Ethan felt when she included him in her plans for the night could never be expressed in words. But there was an elephant in the room that had to be addressed, even if he would regret saying it.

Ethan bit his lip back and released a heavy sigh, "Don't you think Tucker might be a little mad you're hanging out with me though?"

"Funny you mention that," she said, "He's actually out of town visiting his grandma in Florida."

"That's kind of sweet, I guess."

"No, it is!" Reese agreed, "But if he was in town, it probably wouldn't be good if I went to your party. He'd totally freak out..."

"Are you going to tell him?" Ethan combed his fingers through his dyed hair, finding himself growing undeniably nervous with the long pause she took when answering his question.

"No point in making him mad," she said, "I'm actually kind of happy he's gone for the weekend. And that sounds totally wrong... it's just when he's with his family and he comes back, it seems like he loves me more."

Ethan thumbed through the large handles of vodka, picking out his favorite. "That's weird. He should act like he loves you all the time."

Reese's cheeks turned warm in color, "I told you that sounded wrong."

"Is he good to you at least?"

She nodded and took a step closer to Ethan, "Of course he is. But the small little break is nice. I don't have to worry about him judging me because I'm in some sweatpants. Or the fact that I didn't brush my hair and I threw it up in a ponytail. I just don't have to worry about looking good."

"Oh come on, Reese." Ethan budged slightly, finding the distance between them in this mundane store getting smaller and smaller. "You always look good."

"Ethan..."

"I'm not lying, would I ever lie to you?"

Reese shut her eyes, "I don't think so?"

"You could wear baggy pants and baggy sweatshirts, you could not brush your hair for days and you don't have to wear even the slightest bit of makeup. And I can guarantee that every guy in here thinks you're undeniably beautiful."

She stammered backward, "Stop it..."

"I'm tired of stopping," Ethan mumbled, remembering his exact thoughts from the previous nights of how his feelings shouldn't keep him from being honest.

He had to tell her.

He lazily picked up his head and fumbled with the ID card in his hand, "Reese. I need to tell you something."

"Yes, Ethan?"

Admitting it in a liquor store wasn't the right time either.

"I'm glad you're coming tonight."

She smiled and nodded, "I'm excited. I'll see you later then?"

"Mmmm," he hummed, turning around again and scanning the alcohol.

Admitting it when he was intoxicated wouldn't be the right time either.

He couldn't tell her tonight, especially if he was going to be drinking. No matter how badly he wanted to blurt out the intensifying feelings he felt. He had to muster up the right amount of courage to look her in the eye and say that... he was falling. Falling so hard that it wouldn't be easy getting back up.

He thumbed through various bottles and stuffed his card back into his pocket, a sudden tight grip coiling around his waist.

Ethan's bright eyes peered below him, seeing two arms wrap around his lower body. He could feel small puffs of hot air pour down his back as he stretched his neck, finding Reese with her eyes shut as she tenderly rested her head. 

"Thank you." She muffled into the fabric of his long sleeve.

"Huh?" Ethan lifted his arms slightly to get the view of Reese's own entangled around him. "Oh..." 

"You never fail to make me smile, Ethan."

Ethan picked his head up and stiffened underneath her grasp.

He didn't fall easy. But then she happened.

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It has been quite some time since I've updated and I'm sorry. This chapter is on the shorter side too. I recently just finished my finals and I'm on spring break! Hoping to update more this upcoming week!

And as always, thank you for reading!

- domducky